Chapter 144 Complicated.
Chapter 144: Complicated Family Histories
Chapter 144: Complicated Family Histories
(Elena Blackwood’s POV)
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Hugo approached me in the corridor, his amber eyes filled with concern. “Elena, how are you feeling? Is your bcdy alright?”
3 the
I paused, surprised by his gentle inquiry. “I’m fine, thank you.”
“I need to apologize for my father’s behavior yesterday,” he said quietly. “His harsh words weren’t directed at you personally.”
I smiled, touched by his consideration. “I understand it’s because of my identity. I didn’t take those words to
heart.”
Hugo’s expression remained troubled. “Are you truly not bothered by what he said?”
“I’ve heard all kinds of words before,” I replied honestly. “I can’t afford to take everything personally.”
Despite my reassurance, found myself curious about the deep animosity I’d witnessed. The business cooperation between my former mentor Professor Theodore Ashworth and Margaret Blackwood suggested their families maintained decent relations.
Yet Hugo’s father Theodore had shown such strong reaction to anyone with the Blackwood surname. “What’s the real reason for this deep–seated grudge between your families?” I asked directly.
Hugo looked surprised. “Marcus hasn’t told you?”
I shook my head, waiting for his explanation.
After a moment of silence, he spoke calmly. “My mother had a romantic relationship with Marcus’s father Alexander Blackwood.”
My eyes widened in shock.
“This relationship continued even after she mated with my father,” Hugo continued, his voice steady despite the painful revelation.
I stared at him, stunned by this revelation. The complexity of these family relationships was beyond anything
I’d imagined.
“My father harbored resentment because of this emotional entanglement,” Hugo explained further. “He believed for years that my mother still had feelings for Alexander Blackwood.”
The pieces suddenly fell into place. /‘That’s why he has such prejudice against anyone connected to the
Blackwood family.”
Hugo nodded grimly. “Exactly.”
I suddenly understood why my in–laws seemed respectful but distant with each other. There was no love
between them.
I had always thought the cold relationship between Alexander Blackwood and Marcus was due to inherited personality traits. Now I realized it was because of the absence of love.
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Chapter 144, Complicated.
I hope my future mate will be someone with whom I share mutual affection, Hugo said quietly. “Unlike my parents‘ loveless mating.”
His words carried a weight of longing that made my heart ache for him.
(God’s POV)
At the Southern Territory Central Healing Institute, Clara Parker visited her mate William with a lunch container. She found him staring blankly at the ceiling, his expression dejected and absent–minded.
“I brought your favorite venison stew,” she said, trying to sound cheerful.
William barely acknowledged her presence. His face remained clouded with disappointment and anger.
“Elena returned the card,” Clara said carefully. “She explained that someone was threatening her, not acting maliciously.”
William’s jaw tightened. “If she knew she was wrong, she should come apologize in person.”
“William, please don’t be so harsh-”
“I want to be discharged from this hospital,” he interrupted firmly. “I feel uneasy staying here.”
Clara looked alarmed. “But the doctor said you need more time to recover.”
E
Rachel Thompson entered the room at that moment, carrying IV supplies. “Time for your afternoon treatment, Mr. Parker.”
Clara seized the opportunity. “Nurse, is it possible for my mate to be discharged soon?”
Rachel shook her head professionally. “I’m afraid it’s too early. The surgery was recent, and he needs
continued monitoring.”
William’s frustration was evident as he turned away from both women.
(Elena Blackwood’s POV)
That evening at Shadowmere Heights Residential Complex, Rachel mentioned William’s eagerness to leave
the hospital.
“Older generations dislike hospitals,” I explained. “They prefer to save money and recover at home.”
The doorbell suddenly rang, interrupting our conversation.
I opened the door to find Marcus standing there with a travel bag. “Good evening, Elena.”
Before I could respond, Amber Stone appeared with two Elite Guards carrying additional luggage.
“What’s all this?” I asked, bewildered.
D
“I planned to stay in the adjacent apartment,” Marcus explained smoothly. “But it lacks furniture, so I need to temporarily stay here.”
My eyes widened in protest. “Marcus, this is highly inconvenient, especially with Rachel present.”
“It’s only for one night,” he insisted. “I’ll move next door tomorrow once the furniture arrives.”
Rachel looked uncomfortable, clearly sensing the tension between us.
“Fine,” I said reluctantly. “One night only. But you move next door tomorrow.”
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Chapter 144 Complicated.
Marcus nodded, though his expression suggested he had no intention of keeping that promise.
The next morning, Rachel and I encountered Hugo while leaving the building. His amber eyes immediately noticed Marcus emerging from my apartment behind us.
The tension was instant and palpable.
“Interesting coincidence,” Hugo said coldly, his gaze fixed on Marcus.
Marcus stepped forward, his golden eyes challenging. “Not a coincidence at all.”
“You deliberately bought this apartment building and moved next door,” Hugo accused. “This is obvious
provocation.”
“Since Elena and I aren’t divorced yet,” Marcus replied smoothly, “your scheming behavior forces me to be
defensive.”
Hugo’s face darkened with anger. “At least I have more principles than your former lover.”
The comparison hit its mark. Marcus’s jaw clenched visibly..
“I wouldn’t cross boundaries before a proper severing of the mate bond,” Hugo continued pointedly. “Unlike Sophia Rivers.”
The mention of Sophia’s name made Marcus’s golden eyes flash dangerously.
(God’s POV)
Meanwhile, at Moonstone Auction House in the city, Sandy Parker clutched the old red bracelet nervously.
The pawn shop owner examined it through a magnifying glass, his expression growing increasingly amazed.
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